FAQs

This is probably the question most frequently asked of us. The central rod or “spine” of the Gittler Guitar is where the thumb glides up and down while playing, centered automatically. Classical and Flamenco guitarists are taught to play in this manner. Centering the thumb behind the first finger enables the player to “fly”, allowing for maximum use of finger technique. Classical positioning, with arched fingers and a centered thumb, has a training effect toward this goal. The advantages that lie in wait for players who develop the inherent freedom of the legitimate, classical position handily outweigh the small amount of time and effort required to adapt to the instrument. Players that tend to clutch and drag their hand over the neck will have a small learning curve. To compensate for this we will be offering a custom designed plastic guard. More information will be available through our blog as the development progresses.

By employing the proven practice methods that you learned as a student you will find that you have developed a certain degree of “muscle memory”. These are neural pathways that have been created through the process of repetition and exploration. You will find that these nerve to muscle connections are so strong that your fingers will automatically adjust to the established patterns you have solidified through a litany of practice. You will only notice the lack of a fretboard in relation to the new freedom you have discovered by bending the strings downward as well as sideways, thus improving the tactile command of your pitch.

Yes, we are in the final production phase for the Gittler bass guitar. Our current work is based around producing an electric 4 string (34″ scale) and 5 string (35″ scale). The EUB 4 string model will have a 40″ scale. Contact us for further information or to be added to the waiting list.

Yes, Gittler Instruments is in the production process for a violin model.

No. One has only to see and hear the incredible execution of classical and flamenco guitarists to know that legitimate finger positioning facilitates the maximum amount of technical freedom that can be afforded on the guitar.

Gittler Instruments are based on the premise of a minimalistic design. Made of an aircraft grade titanium, the instrument is designed to provide players with the utmost in versatility. The Gittler Guitar contains 31 frets and features an individual pickup for each string.

Only 3 pounds.

Yes, it is slide compatible.

Here at Gittler Instruments we don’t discriminate against our leftist brothers-in-arms! All Gittler Guitars are designed from birth to be ambidextrous. Just mention it at the time of order and we will provide the correct orientation for the fret lighting. The guitar itself can be strung and played from either side of the instrument with equivalent results.

No, we have made significant changes to the original design and no longer offer support on the original instruments. For anything of this nature we recommend that you contact our friends in Italy at The Gittler Custom shop. They are also a great source for historical information and resources on legacy products: www.gittlerguitar.altervista.org.

The answer is simple. HE DIDN’T. The Astron guitars were not sanctioned by Allan Gittler and are not “Gittler” guitars at all. Please see the full story in the History section of our website.

Yes, absolutely.

At this time, we are building a selective distribution network so that our guitars will be available for audition in your state. Currently, however, we are only selling the guitar on a factory direct basis.

The Gittler Guitar comes with a ten (10) day limited return policy. This policy will be strictly enforced and returns will be subject to a thorough review of the received instrument. Freight will be at the consumers expense and a restocking fee may be charged at the discretion of Gittler Instruments, LLC.

The Gittler Guitar is designed so that the bridge has a small amount of parallel and axial movement within its channel. It is not a “floating bridge” in the truest sense of the term but the variation is enough to allow for minute adjustments to the natural musical scale temperaments. Regarding varying compensation for different string gauges, the Gittler guitar has a compensated bridge that is precisely calibrated. We do not recommend heavier than 10 gauge strings on the Gittler guitar as the perpendicular string bending features gets lost and the string tension is less than optimal for intonation. The action can be adjusted simply by removing the bridge and replacing it with one of several varying heights, corresponding to the player’s preference.

It is important to note that the Gittler Guitar is not subject to the same rigors as wood or other materials that routinely expand and contract throughout seasons and over the course of years. The Gittler Guitar should play as well on the day it enters your home as it does on the day it enters the next century.

Titanium is extremely durable and fatigue resistant. It is routinely used in replacement hip and shoulder sockets as well as Helicopter rotors, all of which suffer far more abrasion than a typical guitar fret. In an extreme case where a fret may need replacement it can be performed at our factory.

As a general rule we do not offer this, however, we have a very talented and vertically integrated machine shop – so we won’t say “never”.

Previously we had offered a choice of nut width but it required quite a coordinated effort. We had to eliminate the option in order to focus better on our primary task of making guitars and releasing our bass instruments before the end of the year. We are happy to entertain requests for custom instrument variations and modifications but kindly be aware that such requests, even if we can accommodate them, will carry a premium cost that will vary by degree.

We will honor requests for left handed models at no additional cost but we ask for patience in return as we only make the reversed parts needed in small batches and only when enough orders have been assembled.

No, we do not manufacture parts for instruments other than those that are custom designed for our own products.

Previously we had offered a choice of nut width but it required quite a coordinated effort. We had to eliminate the option in order to focus better on our primary task of making guitars and releasing our bass instruments before the end of the year. We are happy to entertain requests for custom instrument variations and modifications but kindly be aware that such requests, even if we can accommodate them, will carry a premium cost that will vary by degree.

We will honor requests for left handed models at no additional cost but we ask for patience in return as we only make the reversed parts needed in small batches and only when enough orders have been assembled.

We have worked on modifying guitar stands to be suitable for the Gittler guitar but haven’t finalized production at this point.